Formwork company fined $120K after worker fall

A formwork business has been convicted and fined $120,000 after an employee fell more than four metres, fracturing his leg, according to SafeWork SA. TC Formwork Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching section 32 of the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2012 by failing to comply with its health and safety duty and thus exposing workers to a risk of death or serious injury.

According to SafeWork SA, TC Formwork had subcontracted to carry out formworks on a site at Windsor Gardens, including the construction and installation of a metal deck, in December 2016. During this work, an employee fell 4.4 metres from an exposed edge of formwork, resulting in injury. SafeWork SA’s investigation found that the business had not installed a static line or fall restraint system and did not ensure workers wore harnesses.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said the judgement should send a reminder that businesses and employers working at height must ensure workers use a system of work that minimises their risk of falling. “We cannot put a price on a worker’s life — and we can ensure their wellbeing by having safe systems of work in place and by strictly adhering to them,” Campbell added.

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